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‘Devastated’ owner waits behind cordon

Infected herd

The Surrey beef farmer whose animals are at the centre of the foot and mouth outbreak was said to be "devastated" yesterday.

Derrick Pride, 78, owner of Woolfords Farm situated just south of Elstead, and his wife Sheila, 75, declined to respond to telephone inquiries but Angus Stovold, who runs five farms nearby said: "A friend who has seen him said he was devastated. He is a really good farmer and all the animals I've seen from him have been a very good standard."

Roy Taylor, who lives on the same road as Pride, said: "I've got great sympathy for Derrick Pride and every other farmer. After what farmers went through last time, they deserve some sympathy."

Pride, a lifelong farmer who has always lived in the area, owns between 60 and 100 head of cattle, described by some neighbours as organic. The cattle are raised at his farm and